Ok...today was a trying day. I feel the Artisans don't believe I can help them, because I don't even know French (yet).

This morning I met with about 50 people that I'll be working with. They had a long meeting in Fon about me and what I'll be doing over the next 2 yrs. I didn't say a word during the whole thing, other than Bonjour, Au revoir, and A zan day...which is Fon for "See ya later". I'm so uncomfortable with my French that I didn't know what to say...besides that, I'm usually shy in front of crowds of people...as most of you know. The experience made me realize how much I should work on my French skills over the next month.

After the meeting I went with Augustine to an "exam". A group of 17 (15 female, 2 male) were being tested on their weaving and crocheting skills

. Apparently they had classes and today was the final exam. It was interesting to watch, but depressing too...the average age of these girls is 18, they have their whole lives ahead of them and they will probably be spending it doing weaving and crocheting b/c they didn't go to college. (Although getting into college is VERY difficult...)

My evening was spent with Solange and her kids. They are so cute, but all have colds-yuck. I feel bad for their poor living conditions, but their family is really nice and loves them tons.

I think I've been asked by 10 people today if I would bring them back to the States after my 2 years...I wish I could.